Times like this

Up in heaven, my grandparents-Mema, Grandpa and Pa--are on one serious bragging spree. Jewish grandparents live for times like this! Oh, I'm not only talking about my engagement...

I envision a cloud with lots of adorable yenta-nannys,-memas and-bubbys yapping away. My Mema is puffing on a cigarette, finally free from my constant nagging about having to kick the nasty habit. "Guess what?" she says to whomever will listen. "My grandaughter is engaged to a wonderful boy. A real mentsch. They are going to have the most gawgeous wedding. AND my grandson just got a job in FINANCE. He is so handsome and smart. I am so proud of him! AND their cousin T just gave birth to twins- a boy and a girl. AND their cousin N recently gave birth to a baby girl. AND their cousin L just gave birth to a baby boy. AND their cousin L is getting married in September! Can you believe it?! What a family I have! I am so blessed!"

Within seconds, word spreads through heaven's bagel shops, department stores and beauty parlors. My Mema, Grandpa and Pa are the talk of the clouds. I truly believe that my grandparents know everything that is going on. My Pa is probably crying. Giving everyone around him a "poo-poo" as he always did and a high five. His first-born grandaughter is getting married! And so is his third. Grandpa (the butcher) is preparing a celebratory meal - most likely steak and potatoes. If my Mema were alive we'd be heading to Bee-bee's for sandwiches and going shopping for shoes (she's the one responsible for my obession with ballet flats).

Here on earth, my sweet, 90-year-old Nana gets to relish it all. Talk about good fortune - she has 6 great-grandchildren to spoil. And the smoothest, most flawless skin you've ever seen. Her refrigerator is plastered with baby pictures. She counts her blessings every day. God willing she'll be at my wedding- flirting with the boys and singing her famous rendition of A You're Adorable. That is my wish.